DISPUTES AND PROCEEDINGS · RESIDENTS OUTSIDE THE EU
Unpaid debts and breach of contract in Spain
Before pursuing a debtor, establish the obligation, evidence and practical recovery prospects. We prepare an approach suited to the claim and the circumstances.
THE STEPS INVOLVED
From initial review
to practical completion.
Checking the debt
The contract, invoices, delivery evidence, part-payments and correspondence help establish what is due. We assess any dispute and the relevant payment dates.
Discuss your situationIdentifying the debtor and assets
The correct person or company must be pursued. Available information about their position and assets helps assess the economic value of recovery action.
Discuss your situationDemand and negotiation
We formulate the demand and check the applicable pre-action requirements. A proposed payment plan should address security and the consequences of another default.
Discuss your situationSelecting the legal route
The appropriate process depends on the evidence, amount, dispute and international elements. If a decision is obtained, we examine the measures available to enforce it in Spain.
Discuss your situationINITIAL DOCUMENTS
A clear starting point
for your case.
You do not need a complete file to get started. After an initial review, we explain which documents are still needed.
- Agreement and invoices
- Evidence of performance or delivery
- Demands and any acknowledgement
- Debtor details and part-payments
RESIDENTS OUTSIDE THE EU AND SPAIN
For clients resident outside the EU
We help English-speaking clients living outside the EU manage their interests in Spain. Your specific country, documents and tax residence are assessed individually, rather than applying one rule to every non-EU situation.
- Foreign judgments require a review of the issuing country, subject matter, date and applicable treaty or Spanish recognition rules. Non-EU residence alone does not decide the process.
- Notarial and court documents may require authentication and sworn translation; prepare the originals and certified copies early.
- We organise representation and communications in Spain while identifying any stage that may require your personal involvement.
- Before litigating, we assess the debtor, available evidence and practical recovery in Spain, with your foreign lawyer involved when needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What you may want
to know before acting.
Is an invoice always enough?
It can be important evidence, but the agreement, performance and payment obligation may also need to be proved.
Is recovery guaranteed?
No. A favourable decision does not guarantee solvency or immediate payment.
Should I accept instalments?
That depends on the terms, timetable and security. The agreement should preserve appropriate remedies if payments stop again.
Does living outside the EU always require exequatur?
No. The judgment’s origin and subject matter, and any applicable European or international instrument, determine the route. Your residence alone does not decide it.
Will you work with my adviser abroad?
Yes, where appropriate and with your agreement. We coordinate the Spanish documents and steps with your own qualified adviser, who remains responsible for advice and filings in their jurisdiction.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR CASE
Would you like us to review your situation?
Tell us about your plans or concerns. We will connect you with the appropriate specialist in our team in Spain.
Send us your question through the contact form. We will connect you with the right specialist.
Go to the contact formThis is general information, to be applied to your circumstances and the rules in force. Sirejacob Legal & Tax advises on your matter in Spain. Foreign law and overseas filings are handled, where needed, with your own qualified adviser.